Cabrini's class of 2000 valedictorian named

by Cynthia Taura staff writer

Three students were given the opportunity to audition for the honor of valedictorian of the class of 2000. The audition, which consisted of presenting a five to eight minute speech was given before a selection committee. The decision was made one week later and the honor was given to Mary Eileen O'Connor.

The members of the committee consisted of Dr. Ray Matzelle, registrar and assistant dean for academic services, Paul Weaver, acting dean of students, Dr. Johnnie Guerra, vice president for academic affairs, faculty member Dr. Marilyn Johnson, professor of English, student representative Chad May and Sharon Ritrovato, an adult student representative.

A time was scheduled for each candidate to present their speech. The speech was to consist of life experience rather than career based. After their speech was given, each candidate was asked questions by the committee. Also, each candidate was given the option to present their speech to the committee by submitting a video reciting their

Cabrini and has been on the Dean's list for three consecutive semesters. She has also been inducted into the Cabrini College Honor Society.

-Mary Eileen O'Connor. senior

O'Connor plans to use her audition speech for the graduation ceremony on May 21. Her speech will focus on the class of 2000 and the unique challenges it faces ,going into the work force and cultural diversity. "The cla~s of 2000 wiII shape the next l 00 years. We're really ready-to face the challenges that we will face because of all we have learned at Cabrini," O'Connor said.

speech.

O'Connor worked on the Loquitur last year as one of two Features editors. Last semester she interned as a publications assistant for the Philadelphia Convention and Business Bureau. After graduation, she plans to live at home and hopes to get a job in which she can combine editorial and graphic design. She is in the process of sending out resumes.

O'Connor has a 3.945 GPA, which is the highest in the senior class. She transferred to

There will be two valedictorian speeches given. One will be by O'Connor and the other will be given by the non-traditional valedictorian, organizational management major, Linda M. Aita.

O'Connor feels it is a great honor being chosen as valedictorian. She felt confident that she had done really well academically, but felt there were other students with higher GPA's. She never thought she would be the top student in her class.